El Universal correspondent wins Journalism Merit Award in Morelos for chronicle on ex-kidnapper

El Universal correspondent Justino Miranda has received the 2026 Morelos State Journalism Merit Award for his chronicle titled "Discúlpame por haberte chingado la vida" (Forgive me for having screwed up your life). The award, presented by the Morelos Congress, honors media professionals for their dedication to truth, objectivity, and the defense of free expression.

During the ceremony, legislator Francisco Erick Sánchez Zavala emphasized that the award signifies more than just an honorific distinction. He stated it is a public acknowledgment of careers built through effort, dedication, and professionalism, recognizing life stories intertwined with the persistent pursuit of information and service to society.

Miranda's acclaimed work is based on an interview with Modesto Vivas Urzúa, also known as "La Víbora" (The Viper), who is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence for kidnapping. The chronicle delves into his experiences and reflections.

Nine media workers were recognized in total across various categories, including caricature, interview, photography, scientific journalism, opinion and analysis, multiformat journalism, reporting, and journalistic trajectory. The event underscored the legislative body's respect for press freedom and its appreciation for the vital role journalists play in a democracy.

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it is not just an honorary distinction, it is a public recognition of careers built with effort, dedication and professionalism; of life stories linked to the permanent search for information and service to society.